Australian bricklayer employment ad says “No Irish” need apply

The Australian Embassy in Ireland has blasted a racist advert seeking a bricklayer in Perth which stated that “no Irish” would be accepted for the job.

However, the person who placed the ad is standing by it saying too many Irish make up fake credential for jobs.

The ad, published on the classified website Gumtree, stated “Bricklayer needed ASAP. $250 a day, no part-time workers and NO IRISH”

A spokesman for the Embassy said the Australian Government has no tolerance for racism and discrimination and this is reflected in a broad range of anti-discrimination legislation in Australia.

He added, “The Government has an unwavering commitment to a multicultural Australia and greatly welcomes the contribution made by people of all backgrounds, regardless of origin, gender, or color, to Australia's culture, society, and prosperity.”

The man who placed the ad, who gave the name Simon, spoke to the Irish Independent. He defended the ad saying that he had added this instruction because he was sick of Irish people applying for jobs with no experience in the field.

He said “I have no trouble with Irish people…But I’ve had to fire a number of people. I’ve had lots of Irish people say they have experience bricklaying but come over and have no clue how to lay bricks.
“I’m very busy and don’t have time to be watching over them.”

He refused to give his full name or company name to the newspaper and said he was fully aware of the anti-discriminatory legislation set down in Australia.

The Irish on Twitter and other social networks have made their feelings about Simon’s advert very clear.

Captain Liberte said, “It wouldn’t be the first time we were discriminated against. Look at old Punch magazines where we were depicted as simian, aggressive alcoholics. Or in the US when we were treated appallingly on arrival in the 19th century. Or in the UK, “No blacks, no dogs, no Irish”.”

The language in the advert is reminiscent of that used in British cities during the 1950s and early in the United States during the Great Famine, and onwards. More recently, just two years ago, “No Irish need apply” signs were seen on Polish building sites. It was said that these signs were to take revenge on unscrupulous Irish builders who had treated their Polish staff badly.

Others reacting to the ad sympathized with Simon.

AlanD said “I have seen, heard and experienced firsthand a huge number of “lads” who have overdone it on the Sunday and can’t get their hangover head off the pillow to get to work. I have seen it with my friends, I have heard in the pubs and it is a harsh reality.”

He continued, “The majority of my fellow countrymen are here now to supplement their drinking, not send money home like times gone by and as we all know, the cursed drink always has consequences.”